Why Duncan Doesn't Get Kobe, LeBron, Or Wade Respect (Hoopsvibe)

[duncan228]

Nothing new here, even a mistake (DPOY awards? It's such a mistake that he doesn't have one that it's assumed he does). I posted it simply to do what this is about, getting the respect for Duncan in the spotlight. (I know I'm preaching to the choir here).

Why Tim Duncan doesn’t get Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, or Dwyane Wade respect
Oly Sandor



Can Tim Duncan get some love?

Forget, for a moment, that the Spurs have won 14 of 17. And forget that this injury-riddled crew suddenly have the second best record in the Western Conference and are capable of challenging the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Lakers.

I’m talking about career love. Or even career recognition for his four NBA les, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and being the building block for the best organization in pro sports.

Duncan wins. Correction. San Antonio, Duncan’s team, wins. That’s what matters to the former first overall pick. Yet, in a results orientated business like the NBA, he gets less respect than a New Kids On The Block comeback or Rocky sequel.

Duncan’s backers always have to justify his status as an elite player. If winning is the mark of greatness, the currency among the crème de la crème, elite players –that would be the Kobes, LeBrons, and D-Wades of this world- should have to justify why they are worthy of Duncan.

That’s right: the lanky post is the bar others should aspire to. Not vice-versa. Duncan, arguably the greatest power forward of all-time, continues to be slept-on.

Well, why?

‘The Big Fundamental’ nickname says it all. Casual fans are entertained by flash, glitz, and aerial antics, while even serious fans don’t always like razor sharp efficiency and methodical brilliance. Duncan’s technical genius is under-appreciated.

Location. Location. Location. San Antonio is a quiet city and the Spurs are unable to get the same attention as bigger markets. The national media will always cover the Knicks’ on-going soap opera or the Lakers even though the Spurs’ deserve better.

There is also the matter of perception. Most reporters think because Duncan plays like a robot, he lacks personality. One famous scribe even dubbed him ‘Timmy Robot’ after the Will Smith flick I-Robot. This perception is wrong. Duncan has a great sense of humour and interesting perspective that doesn’t get nearly enough national attention.

Of course, Duncan doesn’t care about getting love, which means he’ll continue to be overlooked. Hopefully, we will wake up. And hopefully, we then recognize his accomplishments.

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The robot referred to.

[spursfaninla]

Although appreciate the thought, this article is crap in he is acting like the typical media: assume the readership has been paying attention for about 15 seconds, and does not read.

1. Duncan does get recognition as one of the top players of his era-period.

2. Many, many articles have been written with questions about where he ranks on all-time lists.

3. Both by fans and by writers, Duncan is compared to Shaq and Olajuwan, the two greatest (recognized) bigmen of the last 15+ years.

4. Players, coaches and fans vote him to the All-star team and recognize him as the best bigman of his time.

5. The Spurs have representation on the coaching or management staff of half the teams in the league, and this is due to the respect that Pop has been given as a successful coach; however, without Duncan, without those rings, those positions do not exist. This is indirect proof of the respect that comes from association with Duncan.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

‘The Big Fundamental’ nickname says it all. Casual fans are entertained by flash, glitz, and aerial antics, while even serious fans don’t always like razor sharp efficiency and methodical brilliance. Duncan’s technical genius is under-appreciated.

Location. Location. Location. San Antonio is a quiet city and the Spurs are unable to get the same attention as bigger markets. The national media will always cover the Knicks’ on-going soap opera or the Lakers even though the Spurs’ deserve better.

There is also the matter of perception. Most reporters think because Duncan plays like a robot, he lacks personality. One famous scribe even dubbed him ‘Timmy Robot’ after the Will Smith flick I-Robot. This perception is wrong. Duncan has a great sense of humour and interesting perspective that doesn’t get nearly enough national attention.

Of course, Duncan doesn’t care about getting love, which means he’ll continue to be overlooked. Hopefully, we will wake up. And hopefully, we then recognize his accomplishments.

Is this supposed to be news?

[ClingingMars]

Is this supposed to be news?

[Galileo]

Duncan has led his team to victory in 70% of his regular season games, 65% of his playoff games, and 80% of his playoff series.

No one has ever won this consistently in NBA history, over a 12 year period.

[spursfaninla]

No one has won this consistently?

Maybe Jordan did not play enough years?

What about the Russell Celtics?

[dougp]

Duncan has led his team to victory in 70% of his regular season games, 65% of his playoff games, and 80% of his playoff series.

No one has ever won this consistently in NBA history, over a 12 year period.

More importantly, 100% of his trips to the Finals.

[101A]

No one has won this consistently?

Maybe Jordan did not play enough years?

What about the Russell Celtics?

Operative phrase is "over a 12 year period"

Jordan played plenty long enough - his "winning", however, was not as consistent, for as long.

[lefty]

Dan Patrick said it best during the 2007 Finals : " if the Spurs played in L.A or NY, they would be the most popular team in the league "

[jack sommerset]

I think Duncan does get the respect the other players do, Duncan is just quiet and wants to smoke his weed so he keeps a low profile. Duncan is the Spews.

[Cry Havoc]

Is this supposed to be news?

[Galileo]

No one has won this consistently?

Maybe Jordan did not play enough years?

What about the Russell Celtics?

Jordan's team's won 119 playoff games and lost 60, about the same percentage as Duncan. Jordan also won 30 of 37 playoff series, again, about the same as Duncan.

But Jordan comes nowhere close to Duncan in the regular season.

Russell was better at winning playoff series. But Russell did not win 70% of his regular season games, and was only about equal to Duncan in playoff games.

UPDATE:

I stand corrected, Russell won 65% of his playoff games and about 70% of his regular season games, the same as Duncan.

[SpursFanFirst]

If winning is the mark of greatness, the currency among the crème de la crème, elite players –that would be the Kobes, LeBrons, and D-Wades of this world- should have to justify why they are worthy of Duncan.

No kidding!

Location. Location. Location. San Antonio is a quiet city and the Spurs are unable to get the same attention as bigger markets. The national media will always cover the Knicks’ on-going soap opera or the Lakers even though the Spurs’ deserve better.

I understand LA and NY getting attention, but will someone please explain Cleveland to me?
Yes, LeBron is there (personally, I think he's overhyped, but whatever), but SA has Duncan.
What makes LeBron more worthy of being covered in freakin' Cleveland, OH than Duncan in San Antonio, TX?

[DrHouse]

Duncan has never not been on a championship caliber team.

Nobody really knows what his true ceiling is as he's never had to carry a pathetic team by his lonesome the way Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Jordan, etc. have.

[HarlemHeat37]

Duncan does get respect, though..you'll see it even more when he retires..most people recognize him as a top 15-player of all-time, easily top 10 by the time he retires..there is absolutely no argument against it..

[manufor3]

Although appreciate the thought, this article is crap in he is acting like the typical media: assume the readership has been paying attention for about 15 seconds, and does not read.

1. Duncan does get recognition as one of the top players of his era-period.

2. Many, many articles have been written with questions about where he ranks on all-time lists.

3. Both by fans and by writers, Duncan is compared to Shaq and Olajuwan, the two greatest (recognized) bigmen of the last 15+ years.

4. Players, coaches and fans vote him to the All-star team and recognize him as the best bigman of his time.

5. The Spurs have representation on the coaching or management staff of half the teams in the league, and this is due to the respect that Pop has been given as a successful coach; however, without Duncan, without those rings, those positions do not exist. This is indirect proof of the respect that comes from association with Duncan.

but the kobes of the world still get more respect by the general media

[HarlemHeat37]

Kobe doesn't get more respect from the media, he gets more hype..big difference..Kobe is also hated by A LOT of media and fans, so it goes both ways..

[Allanon]

Kobe doesn't get more respect from the media, he gets more hype..big difference..Kobe is also hated by A LOT of media and fans, so it goes both ways..

Agreed.

The only way Kobe gets any mention at all is because he is a decent player and plays in LA. Duncan, by far, gets much more love from the media than Kobe, but because he plays in San Antonio, he doesn't get the hype.

Even when Kobe is playing well, he'll get negative articles because he's not as good as LeBron or he's still too selfish, etc. "Kobe was invisible most of the Olympics" sells better than the "Kobe was the hero of the Olympic Finals" articles.

I can't even remember the last negative article about Duncan (other than him being boring ).

[ploto]

How many times can someone write an article praising Duncan asking how come he does not get praised in the media?

[mrspurs]

Its just work. And its work that pays well. Timmy knows his limitations. And for the money it aint bad at all. Year in and year out Timmy always shows up to work ready and waiting. Ready to work and waiting to play.

[Lakers_55]

Here's a wrinkle no one brought up. It's the David vs. Goliath syndrome. The little guy gets the support. Not saying other big players didn't get massive props, but the key may be they were centers while Duncan is a forward.

[duncan228]

I agree the key here is the difference between respect and hype.

Duncan is respected by true fans of the game, and by the league and its spokes(wo)men. It's the casual fan that doesn't get it, that's the part of the piece that got me.

Casual fans are entertained by flash, glitz, and aerial antics, while even serious fans don’t always like razor sharp efficiency and methodical brilliance. Duncan’s technical genius is under-appreciated.

I don't think the small market is that big a deal. Duncan's game, like Duncan himself, just isn't flashy. The casual fan wants, and pays for, highlight reels. If Duncan had the alley-oops and the slam dunks he'd be on the reels even from SA.

Duncan doesn't want hype, he's made that quite clear. When he's off the court he's out of the spotlight. I respect that choice.

What I'd like to see change is the appreciation (by even a casual fan) for the game he has. His footwork, his bank shot, his brilliance on the court, are worthy of highlight reels to me. But there's nothing flashy in there, and flash is what gets the attention.

[Yorae]

Is there any active no 1 pick who have stayed with his team longer than duncan have? How about inactive players?

[Galileo]

Casual fans like s bags who cheat on their wives and sleep with nimpho mentally unstable underage s? Really? They don't admire people who shoot cool bank shots, win, have a model family, and play team ball in a team sport?

You have all been duped by the media.

[underdawg]

Casual fans like s bags who cheat on their wives and sleep with nimpho mentally unstable underage s? Really? They don't admire people who shoot cool bank shots, win, have a model family, and play team ball in a team sport?

You have all been duped by the media.

Casual fans are only interested in entertainment - character plays almost no role in that. Unfortunately, casual fans will always outnumber true fans and stats will always garner more hype than integrity, charisma and work ethic.